Retired Rock Legend Wows St. Paul Crowd

[tater1977]

Retired Rock Legend Wows St. Paul Crowd

By Kim Johnson, WCCO-TV May 27, 2014

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2014/05/2 ... aul-crowd/


MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — It’s the kind of legendary performance that has people talking for days.

Fans like Seth Hynes-Marquette thought they’d signed up only to see indie-rock band Eels at St. Paul’s Fitzgerald Theater.

“I was stunned,” Hynes-Marquette said. “They’re just like, ‘Here’s a guy who hasn’t performed in like 20 years and he decided to show up tonight,’ and Steve Perry walks out.”

Ali Lozoff captured the 10-minute surprise performance on her cell phone from the sixth row.

“It was one of the most surreal and surprising things I’ve ever seen on a stage,” Lozoff said. “He did not have to tell the audience to sing the “Na-Na-Na-Na-Na” part at all. They just knew exactly what to do.”

Perry sang three songs: one was by the band Eels and the other two were Journey classics “Open Arms” and “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’.”

Tom Campbell, a production manager at the Fitz for 22 years, says Perry seemed right at home on stage and off.

“He definitely was really into it, he was very excited. He was walking around pacing back stage,” Campbell said.

Perry retired from Journey in 1998. And his St. Paul live performance, believed to be the first in 19 years, is trending on social media from coast to coast.

“The whole country is talking about it now,” Hynes-Marquette said.

It may be a national talker for rock fans, but for those there that night, it was an unforgettable moment in music history.

“As somebody who as a tweenager sang those songs along on vinyl record, it was just a memory I will cherish,” Lozoff said.

Steve Perry is long-time friends with members of the group Eels and has been attending all of their rehearsals for the tour.

He had even rehearsed this performance, showing up for sound check at 10 a.m. that day.

But why did Steve Perry pick St. Paul? Some speculate that it’s because the Fitzgerald – home to “A Prairie Home Companion” – is a historic theater. Others just speculate that Perry likes St. Paul.

[Sassie]

Thanks tater, I love reading what everybody thought about it. It was a feel good moment....even if you weren't lucky enough to be there.

[Marabelle]

I agree, I'm loving the comments from all.

[ltbob]

Glad to hear him sing again,but he sounds about60%.

[RPM]

Glad to hear him sing again,but he sounds about60%.

You mean 60% of when he was 29 or 30 ? I suppose so, but at this point of his life and career , he's
earned the right to have some fun, it wasn't done for money or some Journey comeback.

[tater1977]

Glad to hear him sing again,but he sounds about60%.

You mean 60% of when he was 29 or 30 ? I suppose so, but at this point of his life and career , he's
earned the right to have some fun, it wasn't done for money or some Journey comeback.

+ 1

[ltbob]

he sure has. and not for a comeback, doesn't sound like he would make it in Journey

[scarygirl]

Wouldn't make it? I thought he already did!

he sure has. and not for a comeback, doesn't sound like he would make it in Journey

[tater1977]

Wouldn't make it? I thought he already did!

he sure has. and not for a comeback, doesn't sound like he would make it in Journey

LOL makes me wonder when statements are made liike that...where some people have had their
heads stuck...esp since BOTH camps have said they are happy where they are at now...
Didn't think he was auditioning for a job...

[ltbob]

didnt say he was,just said he couldn't do it. relax fanboy

[tater1977]

didnt say he was,just said he couldn't do it. relax fanboy

Reread your own statement fangirl...

[Sassie]

I wish he would do a Q & A, I have about a million questions.

[ltbob]

where did I say he wanted to try and sing for journey? all I said was he couldn't do it. Even Neil says that. why would they want worse than they have now?

[tater1977]

where did I say he wanted to try and sing for journey? all I said was he couldn't do it. Even Neil says that. why would they want worse than they have now?

So Neil said it..makes it true....OK .. got it now...

[Since 78]

Just stopped by to say Congrats to all you Loons! And to Steve for finally getting back up on stage. He sounded great!